MOUNT GREENWOOD — Most of the students at Mount Greenwood Elementary School knew Roy Johnson, but the security guard known as Mr. J had a special way with the troublemakers.
Students headed to the principal's office often sat with Johnson prior to being disciplined. The former Chicago Police officer had a way "of talking to them, settling them down in such a soft gentle manner, never raising his voice," said Kate Reidy, principal at the neighborhood school.
"Mr. J had a presence about him that was second to none," Reidy read as part of a eulogy on Friday at the Congregational Church of Park Manor.
Johnson, 85, died on March 14. He left behind his wife Beulah and daughters Elaine and Pamela, as well as grandchildren Keith and Amber. The memorial service was held on Friday at the church at 7000 S. Martin Luther King Dr.
"Mr. Johnson exemplified the meaning of generosity, love, care and concern and always represented himself as a gentleman," Reidy went on to say.
Howard Ludwig says Johnson was remembered fondly by students:
Johnson also had a special bond with special-needs students who arrived through the front door at 10841 S. Homan Ave. every morning. One such student would sometimes struggle to sit in her seat "because all she wanted to do was hug Mr. J one more time," Reidy said.
The principal also noted the security guard's quiet acts of generosity. Without fanfare, Johnson pitched in for school food drives and paid for needy students to attend field trips and receive class T-shirts, Reidy said.
"Mr. Johnson knew the kids so well that he knew who needed the assistance. Birthday cards, Communion cards, bereavement cards; they always seemed to appear from Mr. J," she said.
Johnson also commonly shared stories and pictures of his family. He bragged about his daughters and grandchildren and spoke highly of his wife. He always gave her the credit for raising their children to be successful adults, Reidy said.
"Although I'm required to fill the position of security guard at Mount Greenwood School, it is obvious to all, that no one will be able to fill the shoes of Mr. Johnson," she said.
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